Butcher wants more preparation time for Scotland's players

Scotland assistant manager Terry Butcher hopes the SPL's start date for next season is up for renegotiation.

The top flight is due to kick off the 2009-10 campaign on 8 August, just four days before the national team's World Cup qualifier in Norway.

"As it's an away game, if you wanted to make it the most difficult task ever, that's what they have done," he said.

"Hopefully there will be room to talk because you have to give the national team the best possible chance."

Scotland manager George Burley had requested a 1 August opening date to help prepare for the trip to Oslo.

And the Scottish FA were unhappy with the SPL announcing their schedule before a planned fixtures meeting with them and the Scottish Football League in February.

"I just find it really bizarre that we are going to be playing a game on 12 August and the season starts on 8 August," added Butcher.

The SFA had hoped to play Norway in October next year but the fixture was brought forward to August due to Champions League commitments.

The Scots, who drew 0-0 with Norway at Hampden, are currently second in World Cup qualifying Group 9 with four points from three games.

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